Are these RIR chicks cockerels or pullets?

[yanceyh]

I got these chicks 4 weeks ago at TSC. I have two each of Rhode Island Reds, Speckled Sussex, Sicilian Buttercups, and California Greys.

I know 4 weeks old is pretty early to be asking, but I'm concerned my two RIR chicks may be roos, and that's bad because a) I can't keep them in the city where I live, and b) I hear roos have very poor egg production [sarcasm].

Their combs are quite a bit larger than the other six chicks, so that is my main reason for asking. But I'm new to this so thought the wonderful people on BYC could help. Thanks,

Yancey House
Abilene, TX

 

[sourland]

I don't think you'll be getting eggs from those two.

 

[micstrachan]

I don’t see anything that screams “roo” except for the combs. Can you take crisp photos of their hackle (neck) and saddle (above tail) feathers? Are their legs thicker than everyone else’s?

 

[aart]

I don’t see anything that screams “roo” except for the combs. Can you take crisp photos of their hackle (neck) and saddle (above tail) feathers? Are their legs thicker than everyone else’s?

Much too young for hackle and saddle feathers(3-4 months),
but those red combs at 4 weeks scream cockerel.

 

[NoFlyBackFarm]

I'm thinking rooster but it is early. My Buff had worse and she is a good laying hen now.

 

[sassysarah]

The RIR in the second picture is 100% rooster

 

[micstrachan]

Much too young for hackle and saddle feathers(3-4 months),
but those red combs at 4 weeks scream cockerel.

Ah! Understood. Thanks!

 

[Gray Farms]

That much comb this young, you can just about bet on them being cockerels.

 

[chuckachucka]

Agree with Aart and Gray Farms.